Yusui Chang'an

Chapter 1321 Death and Life
Salt Transportation Department.

Although Master Yao returned to the court to resume his post, the emperor did not assign him any official duties on the grounds that he had been away from the court for many years and was unfamiliar with government affairs.

Master Yao used this as an excuse to patrol everywhere every day. Whenever he encountered any obstacle, he would say righteously:
"Your Majesty said that I am unfamiliar with government affairs, so he asked me to learn more and become familiar with it sooner. Are you trying to stop me and defy the majesty of God?"

Once this hat was put on, ordinary officials, unless they were the emperor's confidants, dared not say anything more.

Less than half a cup of tea after Yao Taishi inspected the Salt Transport Bureau, Zheng Xiangheng heard the news and rushed over. He first congratulated the Taishi on his return to the court, exchanged some polite words, and then asked:

"Since the Lord is not here today, should we send someone to invite him?"

Master Yao held the teacup and looked around:
"No need to bother Brother Tang, I just came here to take a look."

Zheng Xiangheng understood and sent everyone out. Seeing Yanshu coming forward and guarding the door, Zheng Xiangheng's eyes flickered:
"Grandmaster, are you here today to tell me something?"

Master Yao: "Is it your turn to take over the Zheng family in this generation?"

Zheng Xiangheng's smile paused for a moment, but soon returned to normal:
"Grand Master also knows that the talents of several aristocratic families are dwindling now. The younger generation can enter the officialdom, but it is just a matter of taking advantage of the shortcomings."

Master Yao tilted his head and looked directly at Zheng Xiangheng:
"I'm not talking about a career in government. I'm talking about taking over your uncle's job, or... a secret guard."

Seeing Zheng Xiangheng's smile fade away and his face solemn and cautious, Master Yao turned back to drink his tea:
“There is no need to be so cautious. Although I followed the late emperor a little later than your grandfather, I can also be considered as his confidant who helped him establish the country.

The secret guards were originally discussed by the late emperor, me, your grandfather, and the then head of the Cheng family. How could it be surprising that he knew about this? Your uncle also knew about this."

Zheng Xiangheng subconsciously glanced at the tightly closed door, and lowered his voice with a serious expression:

"Then your majesty?" Master Yao put down his teacup:
"He is as petty as a needle tip. If he knew that I knew about the existence of the secret guards, I'm afraid he wouldn't let me live to this day. So it seems that your uncle didn't say it."

Zheng Xiangheng was stunned: Such a big thing... My uncle actually hid it from His Majesty...

"Grand Master, you also know that this matter is of great importance. Why did you reveal it to the younger generation? Aren't you worried? I will report this to Your Majesty."

Master Yao looked calm and indifferent, with the detachment of a hermit:
"At my age, I have long been indifferent to life and death. If you spread the news, it means that I have misjudged you. There is nothing to be afraid of, right at the moment of death and rebirth.

Besides, you have your uncle as your companion, so you won't be alone on your way to the underworld."

Zheng Xiangheng's heart was beating like thunder. He once again cautiously glanced at the closed doors and windows, and lowered his voice even more:

"Whatever you want to say, Grand Master, please speak clearly."

"When you see your uncle, tell him I'm here to talk to him about the past."

After saying this, he sent Master Yao away. As soon as he opened the door, he saw Meng Jie flipping through books in the yard. Zheng Xiangheng's heart was in his throat. After sending the people away, he found Meng Jie and tested him. Although he saw that Meng Jie didn't hear anything, he was still worried and sent someone to keep an eye on him. He breathed a sigh of relief when he learned that Meng Jie didn't move.
-
The Mansion of Marquis Hong'an.

Zhu Dianhua had been living outside for many days. Every day, he either looked for opportunities to kill Menglian and her son, or he was decadent and drunk. He was already a useless man, and now even his own father wanted to abandon him...

Although he hated her, he couldn't really attack his own father. He could only vent his anger on Menglian and escape reality by drinking to drown his sorrows.

Half drunk, the follower came crawling in and reported:
"Prince... please return home quickly, my lady is dying!"